The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is the federal agency that runs Medicare and works with states on Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program. It also oversees the health insurance marketplaces created by the Affordable Care Act and sets standards for payment and quality. It is part of the Department of Health and Human Services.
People usually bring questions about how to enroll, what each program covers, and how Medicare and Medicaid differ. Others ask how to appeal a decision or report fraud, and how marketplace plans and subsidies work.
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On January 27, 2026, CMS delivered its answer for 2027: a 0.09 percent payment increase. Not 9 percent. Zero point zero nine. CMS faces a puzzle…
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is the single most important time of year for millions of Americans who rely on Medicare for health coverage. Running from…
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, passed in 2010, represents one of the most significant reforms of the U.S. health system. Its primary goal is…
A reader writes to us: Why does the government force the elderly who are already on a fixed budget to pay for a Medicare Advantage (Part…
The Health Insurance Marketplace, accessible through HealthCare.gov, is a service designed by the federal government under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Its purpose is…
The main time for individuals and families to sign up for health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace occurs during the annual Open Enrollment…
The Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) is an online health insurance marketplace created under the Affordable Care Act. United Healthcare and HealthInsurance.org describe…
The Health Insurance Marketplace, accessible via HealthCare.gov, does provide pathways to obtain dental coverage. This guide offers information about how dental plans work within…
Life is full of changes, big and small. Getting married, welcoming a new child, or experiencing a job loss are significant events that can…
The Health Insurance Marketplace, established by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), serves as a central hub for individuals and families to find, compare, and…
Navigating health insurance options can feel complex. Understanding the basics of plans offered through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance Marketplace® can empower…
Your household income is one of the most important factors determining how much financial help you can get to pay for your Health Insurance…
Maintaining Medicaid coverage requires beneficiaries to keep their information current with their state agency. Life changes happen and can impact eligibility for health benefits.…
The Health Insurance Marketplace®, often accessed through HealthCare.gov, is a key service established under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010.…
